Texas Rangers Draft: Day One Review

In the past few years, the Texas Rangers organization has had either multiple first round selections or four to five selections in the first few rounds. This is directly related to the organization’s farm system gaining the No. 1 overall rank for minor league systems.

This year’s MLB First-Year Player Draft did not have the depth of certain talent or big name potential players as it has had in the past. However, the Rangers still believed they could draft to build for now and for the future.

In the first round Texas held the No. 14 overall pick, and after that the team had pick No. 44—a compensation pick for Milton Bradley signing with the Chicago Cubs. In the second round, Texas would then pick 62nd and then wrap up the first day with the 93rd pick.

The Rangers front office and scouting department made no secret that the team was looking for pitching to help with the future plans of the organization.

I would love to tell you a Cinderella story of how Stephen Strasburg fell all the way from No. 1 to the Rangers at No. 14, but that just didn’t happen. Here is a rundown of Texas' first four picks in the 2009 MLB First-Year Player Draft.

Matthew Purke, LHP (14th): 6′3″, 175 lbs.—Klein HS/Klein, TX

Matthew was a very highly touted prospect and considered the top left-handed pitcher in the draft on a short list of possible elite lefties. He already has three above-average pitches, including a fastball that ranges in the low-90s but touches 95. 

The only concern with Purke is his slender frame. However, if he bulks up, this young man has the potential to be a front-end of the rotation type pitcher. He initially was not expected to drop down to the No. 14 pick for the Rangers, so this turns out very well for our fortunes.

Tanner Scheppers, RHP (44th): 6′4″, 195 lbs.—St. Paul Saints

A former standout for the Fresno State Bulldogs, Tanner was selected 48th overall last year by the Pittsburgh Pirates but did not sign due to a shoulder injury. He has spent the past season in the Independent League with the St. Paul Saints and has found his groove again. 

There is some concern with his history of shoulder injuries, but if he can stay healthy, this young man has the talent of a top 10 selection. Down the road, this draft pick could turn out to be a huge steal for the Rangers organization.

Tommy Mendonca, 3B (62nd): 6′1″, 200 lbs.—Fresno St. U

Considered one of the top three power hitters in all of collegiate baseball this season, Mendonca (pictured above) nearly looks major league-ready. The young man has the build, power, and athleticism to become a solid left-handed power-hitting third baseman in the future. 

The young man also provides exceptional defense at the hot corner position. This draft pick is certainly looked at to hopefully be the Rangers' third baseman by 2011.

Robert Erlin, LHP (93rd): 5′11″, 180 lbs.—Scotts Valley (CA) HS

A fastball-throwing youngster with a very good curveball, Erlin dominated the high school ranks, striking out twice as many batters as innings thrown this season. 

The big piece that the Rangers value out of Erlin is his superior command and his ability to keep the ball. If Erlin can learn maybe one or two more pitches, he could potentially be a middle of the rotation type pitcher for the Rangers.

The draft resumes today at noon, and during the next two days is when teams are looking for that diamond in the rough. Talent is not always found with all of your later round selections, but many quality and Hall of Fame type players can come out of the late rounds.